California enacts raft of residential development and permitting laws

The California Legislature concluded its 2026 session with a series of new laws intended to streamline housing approvals, expand development bonuses, and limit litigation delays across the state. Governor Gavin Newsom signed several measures affecting residential permitting and local planning procedures.

Among the changes, Assembly Bill 1751 establishes a ministerial approval pathway for qualifying townhome developments, while Assembly Bill 1621 restricts local agencies to two plan-check review cycles for building permits and shortens permit appeal timelines. Senate Bill 677 prohibits third-party appeals on subdivision and parcel maps for qualifying urban infill projects. Additionally, Senate Bill 1169 extends subdivision map expirations, and Senate Bill 963 places a 180-day review limit on Coastal Commission appeals for coastal development permits.

The updated statutes also modify density and fee frameworks. Assembly Bill 2433 enhances density calculations under the state Density Bonus Law for for-sale developments, while Senate Bill 1117 blocks local governments from levying development impact fees on the first 750 square feet of accessory dwelling units. For Los Angeles County, Senate Bill 1090 enacts a temporary moratorium on the Starter Home Revitalization Act within designated wildfire-affected areas. To curb project opposition, Senate Bill 1344 raises bond requirements and potential liabilities for plaintiffs challenging approved housing developments.